12v to 240v fridge query

Post by **Louey** » 17 Jul 2006, 15:19

I'm having trouble getting a 3 way fridge (particularly a RM123) and I was wondering if I could get a RM122 2 way fridge and get some sort of gadgetry or thingy to use it on 240v when I have a hook up??

Anyone have any ideas?

Post by **Ivorblueun** » 17 Jul 2006, 15:32

you could wire in 240v a/c to 12 v dc transformer capable of supplying sufficient current, the downside the 12v system does not have a thermostat and a transformer that size will produce a lot of heat and need to be well ventilated

Post by **Horza** » 17 Jul 2006, 15:36

In theory all you need is a 12v transformer with enough ooomph to power the fridge. The other way to do it is to run the fridge from the battery and charge the battery from a zig or decent battery charger.

I have no idea what the implications of the latter method are but most of the caravans I have seen use this for the 12v system.

Post by **Louey** » 17 Jul 2006, 15:45

Just had a search on Maplins (to start with) and found this. not sure how much amps a RM122 draws.

Wouldn't be happy using this as it has a cigarette lighter connection and they are crap, would want something more permanent.

Post by **Ivorblueun** » 17 Jul 2006, 16:14

you need at least 10amps zig do an auxillary power supply unit that will supply upto 12amp continous but they are quite expensive and even if you run a battery and charger system if you're not putting in what you are taking out the battery will still go flat just take a little longer

Post by **Louey** » 17 Jul 2006, 16:16

apparently you run the 12v via a relay direct from the alternator when the engine is running so hopefully this means you don't have to worry about batteries being run down

Post by **Ivorblueun** » 17 Jul 2006, 16:55

12v via a relay off the van battery is for running the fridge when on the move I thought we were talking about running a gas/12v fridge off 240 mains when pitched up or have I lost the plot.

Post by **Dan Wood** » 17 Jul 2006, 17:07

I've got a switched-mode power supply that can deliver 15A continuously.
It's in a metal enclosure with lots of circular vent holes, designed for fitting inside other equipment. It would go in a cupboard or behind your fridge without too much trouble.

The input is 240V AC with a fitted 13A plug, the output is 13.2V @ 15 A, via some standard 'spade' terminals.

It's brand new, and probably worth at least 25 pounds.
It would be too heavy to post cheaply though. I'm in the Doncaster area.

Post by **DiscoDave** » 17 Jul 2006, 20:01

too heavy to post?? does it weigh more than 25kg??? parcel to go .com

also worth bearing in mind that a tranny of this size will make a lot of noise as well as heat, to combat noise put pollystyrene inder it!!

Post by **Dan Wood** » 17 Jul 2006, 20:25

No audible noise - it has a tiny transformer 'cos it's switched mode. Essentially a big capacitor that gets topped up at high frequency.

I could post it, but I'm not really into all that sort of stuff...

It does come in a cardboard box though, so it would be do-able.

Post by **Louey** » 17 Jul 2006, 20:58

Dan, I shall let you know very soon. I may be getting hold of a 3 way (someone saw this post and PM'd me)

Watch this space